Sonny Criss Catalog

1946 (age 19)

Various Artists - Modern Trumpet Leaders   IAJRC 25

Howard McGhee, Gerald Wilson, trumpet; Vic Dickenson, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Teddy Edwards, James King, tenor sax; Jimmy Bunn, piano; Charles Mingus, bass; Roy Porter, drums.

Los Angeles, CA, spring 1946

KFI-23333Sweet Potato
KRI-23337Hoggin'
KFI-23345Blues A La King
FKI-26610Night Mist

Ernie Lewis - Vernon Alley's Blues / Hit That Jive Jack   Pacific 610

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; unknown, piano; Ernie Lewis, guitar; Vernon Alley, bass; Roy Porter, drums.

Los Angeles, CA, summer 1946

Vernon Alley's Blues
Hit That Jive Jack

1947 (age 20)

Sonny Criss, Howard McGhee, Dodo Marmarosa - California Boppin'   Jazz Showcase JS 5005

Howard McGhee, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Teddy Edwards, tenor sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Addison Farmer, bass; Roy Porter, drums.

Hi-De-Ho Club, Los Angeles, CA, circa March, 1947

Ornithology
The Man I Love

Al Killian, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Charles Fox, piano; Shifty Henry, bass; Tim Kennedy, drums.

Portland, OR, October 17, 1947

Blue Lou
Semi-Quiet

Billy Eckstine - I Surrender, Dear   EmArcy MG-36010   1955

Ray Linn, trumpet; Gerald Vlentine, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Warren Bracken, piano; unknown, guitar; Shifty Henry, bass; Tim Kennedy, drums; Billy Eckstine, vocal, valve trombone.

Los Angeles, CA, April 21, 1947

NSC257All Of Me
NSC259Prelude To A Kiss
NSC263In My Solitude
NSC264Sophisticated Lady

Billy Eckstine - The Love Songs Of Mr. "B"   EmArcy MG-36030   1955

same session.

Los Angeles, CA, April 21, 1947

NSC258Where Are You

Billy Eckstine - Blues For Sale   EmArcy MG-36029   1955

same session.

Los Angeles, CA, April 21, 1947

NSC260She's Got The Blues For Sale

Billy Eckstine - You Call It Madness   Regent MG 6058

same session.

Los Angeles, CA, April 21, 1947

NSC261What's New
NSC262Serenade In Blue

The Modern Jazz Stars - Jazz Surprise   Crown CLP 5008

Howard McGhee, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Dodo Marmarosa, piano; Red Callender, bass; Jackie Mills, drums.

Los Angeles, CA, circa April 27, 1947

Donna Lee (as Scratch)

Billy Eckstine Sings   Savoy SJL 1127   1979

Ray Linn, trumpet; Gerald Vlentine, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Warren Bracken, piano; unknown, guitar; Shifty Henry, bass; Tim Kennedy, drums; Billy Eckstine, vocal, valve trombone.

Los Angeles, CA, April 27, 1947

I Surrender, Dear
Memories Of You
Our Love
There Are Such Things
Say It Isn't So
I Do, Do You
Blues

Stan Getz - Groovin' High   Modern LMP 1202

Howard McGhee, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Dodo Marmarosa, piano; Red Callender, bass; Jackie Mills, drums.

Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, CA, April 29, 1947

MM910Groovin' High Part 1
MM911Groovin' High Part 2
MM1003Hot House Part 1
MM1004Hot House Part 2

** also released on Crown CLP 5002, CLP 5284. and on Groovin' With Getz, United US 7709.

Various Artists - Jazz Concert West Coast Volume 1   Savoy MG 12012   1955

Howard McGhee, trumpet; Trummy Young, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Harry Babison, bass; Connie Kay, drums.

Elks Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA, July 6, 1947

BOP3The Hunt Part 1 (as Rocks 'N' Shoals) (aka Rocks 'N Shoals)
BOP4The Hunt Part 2 (as Rocks 'N' Shoals) (aka Rocks 'N Shoals)
BOP5The Hunt Part 3 (as Rocks 'N' Shoals) (aka Rocks 'N Shoals)
BOP6The Hunt Part 4 (as Rocks 'N' Shoals) (aka Rocks 'N Shoals)
BOP7The Hunt Part 5 (as Rocks 'N' Shoals) (aka Rocks 'N Shoals)
BOP8The Hunt Part 6 (as Rocks 'N' Shoals) (aka Rocks 'N Shoals)
BOP9The Hunt Part 7 (as Rocks 'N' Shoals) (aka Rocks 'N Shoals)
BOP10The Hunt Part 8 (as Rocks 'N' Shoals) (aka Rocks 'N Shoals)

Howard McGhee, trumpet; Trummy Young, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Harry Babison, bass; Ken Kennedy, drums.

BOP15Bopera Part 1 (as Disorder At The Border)
BOP16Bopera Part 2 (as Disorder At The Border)
BOP17Bopera Part 3 (as Disorder At The Border)
BOP18Bopera Part 4 (as Disorder At The Border)
BOP19Bopera Part 5 (as Disorder At The Border)
BOP20Bopera Part 6 (as Disorder At The Border)
BOP21Bopera Part 7 (as Disorder At The Border)

Various Artists - Black California: The Savoy Sessions   Savoy SJL 2215   1976

Al Killian, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Russ Freeman, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Harry Babison, bass; Ken Kennedy, drums.

Elks Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA, July 6, 1947

BOP30Backbreaker Part 1
BOP31Backbreaker Part 2
BOP32Backbreaker Part 3
BOP33Backbreaker Part 4
BOP34Backbreaker Part 5
BOP35Backbreaker Part 6

Dexter Gordon & Wardell Gray - The Hunt   Savoy SJL 2222   1977

Howard McGhee, trumpet; Trummy Young, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Red Callender, bass; Connie Kay, drums.

Elks Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA, July 6, 1947

BOP36Bopland Part 1 (as Byas-A-Drink)
BOP37Bopland Part 2 (as Byas-A-Drink)
BOP38Bopland Part 3 (as Byas-A-Drink)
BOP39Bopland Part 4 (as Byas-A-Drink)
BOP40Bopland Part 5 (as Byas-A-Drink)
BOP41Bopland Part 6 (as Byas-A-Drink)

Various Artists - West Coast Jazz Concert   Regent RMG-6049   1957

same session.

Elks Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA, July 6, 1947

BOP42Jeronimo Part 1 (as Cherry-Koke) (as Cherokee)
BOP43Jeronimo Part 2 (as Cherry-Koke) (as Cherokee)
BOP44Jeronimo Part 3 (as Cherry-Koke) (as Cherokee)
BOP45Jeronimo Part 4 (as Cherry-Koke) (as Cherokee)
BOP46Jeronimo Part 5 (as Cherry-Koke) (as Cherokee)
BOP47Jeronimo Part 6 (as Cherry-Koke) (as Cherokee)
BOP48Jeronimo Part 7 (as Cherry-Koke) (as Cherokee)
BOP49Jeronimo Part 8 (as Cherry-Koke) (as Cherokee)

Al Killian, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Russ Freeman, piano; Harry Babison, bass; Ken Kennedy, drums.

BOP50Blow-Blow-Blow Part 1
BOP51Blow-Blow-Blow Part 2
BOP52Blow-Blow-Blow Part 3
BOP53Blow-Blow-Blow Part 4

** also released on Savoy SAVOY 12196 in 1969.

Dexter Gordon - Long Tall Dexter: The Savoy Sessions   Savoy SJL 2211   1976

Howard McGhee, trumpet; Trummy Young, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dexter Gordon, tenor sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Red Callender, bass; Roy Porter, drums.

Elks Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA, July 6, 1947

BOP54Bop After Hours Part 1 (as After Hours Bop)
BOP55Bop After Hours Part 2 (as After Hours Bop)
BOP56Bop After Hours Part 3 (as After Hours Bop)
BOP57Bop After Hours Part 4 (as After Hours Bop)
BOP58Bop After Hours Part 5 (as After Hours Bop)
BOP59Bop After Hours Part 6 (as After Hours Bop)

The Sonny Criss Memorial Album   Xanadu 200   1984

Al Killian, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Charles Fox, piano; Shifty Henry, bass; Tim Kennedy, drums.

Portland, OR, October 17, 1947

The Creep
Out Of Nowhere
Blue 'N' Boogie

Clark Terry, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Jimmy Bunn, piano; Billy Hadnott, bass; Chuck Thompson, drums; Damita Jo, vocal.

Hula Hut Club, Los Angeles, CA, August 27, 1950

I Can't Give You Anything But Love

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Gil Barrios, piano; Dave Bryant, bass; Billy Snyder, drums.

Trade Winds, Inglewood, CA, September 4, 1952

Strike Up The Band

Sonny Criss, alto sax #1-4, soprano sax #5; Hampton Hawes, piano; Clarence Johnson, bass; Frank Butler, drums.

Los Angeles, CA, June 15, 1965

1.Saturday Morning
2.When Sunny Gets Blue
3.The Masquerade Is Over
4.What's New
5.Ursula

1949

Flip Phillips And His Orchestra Featuring Howard McGhee, Benny Green - Flip   Clef MGC-693   1956

John D'Agostino, Buddy Morrow, Tommy Turk, Kai Winding, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Flip Phillips, tenor sax; Mickey Crane, piano; Ray Brown, bass; Shelly Manne, drums.

NYC or Los Angeles, CA, February 11 or September 26, 1949

2538 | 288-4Swingin' For Julie And Brownie (aka Put That Back)
2540 | 290-4By The Lazy River

** also released on Verve MGV-8077 in 1957.

Various Artists - The Jazz Scene   Verve 314 521 661-2

same session.

NYC or Los Angeles, CA, February 11 or September 26, 1949

Swingin' For Julie And Brownie (alternate take)
Flip's Idea

J.A.T.P. At Carnegie Hall 1949   Pablo PACD-5311-2   2002

Fats Navarro, trumpet; Tommy Turk, trombone; Sonny Criss, Charlie Parker, alto sax; Flip Phillips, tenor sax; Hank Jones, piano; Ray Brown, bass; Shelly Manne, drums.

Carnegie Hall, NYC, February 11 or November 2, 1949

Norman Granz Introduction
Leap Here
(Back Home Again In) Indiana
Lover Come Back To Me

Tommy Turk And His Orchestra, Sonny Criss And His Orchestra, The Six - An Evening Of Jazz   Norgran MGN-1065   1956

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Iggy Shevack, bass; Chuck Thompson, drums.

Los Angeles, CA, September 22, 1949

272-6Colidad
273-4Tornade
274-1The First One
275-3Blues For The Boppers

** also released on Verve MGV-8155 in 1957.

1950

Wardell Gray Memorial Volume Two   Prestige PRLP 7009   1955

Clark Terry, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, tenor sax; Dexter Gordon, tenor sax #1,2; Jimmy Bunn, piano; Billy Hadnot, bass; Chuck Thompson, drums.

Hula Hut Club, Los Angeles, CA, August 27, 1950

1. (1231)Jazz On Sunset Parts 1 & 2 (as Move)
2. (1232)Jazz On Sunset Parts 3 & 4 (as Move)
3. (1233)Kiddo Parts 1 & 2 (as Scrapple From The Apple)
4. (1234)Kiddo Parts 3 & 4 (as Scrapple From The Apple)

** also released on Original Jazz Classics OJC-051 in 1983.
** part of Wardell Gray Memorial Album, Prestige PR 7343 in 1964, PRST 7343 in 1964.

1951

Sonny Criss - Intermission Riff   Pablo 2310-929   1988

Joe Newman, trumpet; Bennie Green, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, tenor sax; Bobby Tucker, piano; Tommy Potter, bass; Kenny Clarke, drums.

Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA, October 12, 1951

Intermission Riff
How High The Moon
Perdido
Body And Soul
High Jump

** also released on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-961-2 in 1998.

1952

Various Artists - The West Coast Jam Sessions   Jam Session No. 103

Chet Baker, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wardell Gray, Dave Pell, tenor sax; Jerry Mandell, piano; Harry Babasin, cello, leader; Bob Whitlock, bass; Lawrence Marable, drums.

Trade Winds, Inglewood, CA, March 24, 1952

Out Of Nowhere

Billy Hadnott And His Orchestra   Federal 12084

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Ruddy Pits, vibes; Ernie Freeman, piano; Oscar Moore, guitar; Billy Hadnott, bass; Budy Reed, drums.

Los Angeles, CA, April 26, 1952

Ooh China
My Ideal

Billy Hadnott And His Orchestra   Federal 12096

same session.

Los Angeles, CA, April 26, 1952

Limehouse Blues
Junk Wagon

Harry Babasin, Sonny Criss, Chet Baker, Charlie Parker, Al Haig, Laurance Marable - Inglewood Jam 6-16-52   Jazz Chronicles JCS-102   1978

Chet Baker, trumpet; Sonny Criss, Charlie Parker, alto sax; Al Haig, piano #1,2,4; Russ Freeman, piano #3; Harry Babasin, bass, leader; Lawrence Marable, drums.

Trade Winds, Inglewood, CA, June 16, 1952

1.The Squirrel
2.Irresistible You (as They Didn't Believe Me)
3.Indiana / Donna Lee (as Indiana)
4.Liza

** also released on Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, Sonny Criss - On The Coast, Jazz Showcase JS 5007. and on Charlie Parker, Chet Baker - Bird And Chet: Inglewood Jam: Live At The Trade Winds 16 June 1952, Fresh Sound (Sp) FSR-407 in 1989, FSR-CD 359 in 2004.

Al Haig - Live In Hollywood   Xanadu 206   1985

Chet Baker, trumpet; Al Haig, piano; Dave Bryant, bass; Larry Bunker, drums; with Sonny Criss, alto sax; Jack Montrose, tenor sax #1,2; added Ted Ottison, trumpet #3.

Trade Winds, Inglewood, CA, August 4, 1952

1.There'll Never Be Another You
2.How High The Moon
3.Sweet Georgia Brown

1955

The Swinging Buddy Rich   Norgran MGN-1052   1955

Harry Edison, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Jimmy Rowles, piano; John Simmons, bass; Buddy Rich, drums.

Los Angeles, CA, August 26, 1955

2454-1Sonny And Sweets
2455-1The Two Mothers

** also released on Verve MGV-8142 in 1957.

The Wailing Buddy Rich   Norgran MGN-1078   1956

same session.

Los Angeles, CA, August 26, 1955

2456-1A Smooth One
2457-3Broadway

** also released on Verve MGV-8168 in 1957.

1956

Sonny Criss - Jazz U.S.A.   Imperial LP-9006   1956

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Kenny Drew, piano; Barney Kessel, guitar; Bill Woodson, bass; Chuck Thompson, drums.

Los Angeles, CA, January 26, 1956

IM-981Easy Living
IM-982Criss Cross
IM-983Willow Weep For Me
IM-984Alabamy Bound

same personnel.

Los Angeles, CA, February 24, 1956

IM-1012Something's Gotta Give
IM-1013These Foolish Things
IM-1014West Coast Blues
IM-1015Blue Friday

same personnel.

Los Angeles, CA, March 23, 1956

IM-1034More Than You Know
IM-1035Sunday
IM-1036Sweet Georgia Brown
IM-1037Ham's Blues

Sonny Criss - Go Man!   Imperial LP-9020   1956

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Sonny Clark, piano; Leroy Vinnegar, bass; Lawrence Marable, drums.

Master Recorders, Los Angeles, CA, July 10, 1956

IM-1084Summertime
IM-1085Memories Of You
IM-1086Wailin' With Joe
IM-1087How Deep Is The Ocean
IM-1088The Blues For Rose
IM-1089The Man I Love

same personnel.

Master Recorders, Los Angeles, CA, July 31, 1956

IM-1090Until The Real Thing Comes Along
IM-1091Blue Prelude
IM-1092After You've Gone
IM-1093Come Rain Or Come Shine
IM-1094How High The Moon
IM-1095If I Had You

Sonny Criss Plays Cole Porter   Imperial LP-9024   1956

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Larry Bunker, vibes; Sonny Clark, piano; Buddy Clark, bass; Lawrence Marable, drums.

Radio Recorders, Los Angeles, CA, August 26, 1956

IM-1101What Is This Thing Called Love
IM-1102Night And Day
IM-1103Love For Sale
IM-1104Just One Of Those Things
IM-1105Anything Goes
IM-1106I Get A Kick Out Of You

same personnel.

Radio Recorders, Los Angeles, CA, October 3, 1956

IM-1155Easy To Love
IM-1156It's All Right With Me
IM-1157I Love You
IM-1158In The Still Of The Night

1957 (age 30)

Sonny Criss, Calvin Jackson - Sessions, Live   Calliope CAL 3024   1976

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Buddy Woodson, bass; Chuck Thompson, drums; Johnny Mercer, host.

KABC-TV, Stars Of Jazz #73. 1957-#47, November 25, 1957

Easy Livin'
Willow Weep For Me

same session.

Wailing For Joe

Art Pepper, Sonny Criss, Bud Shank - The Altoman   Vantage (J) NLP-5005   1991

same session.

KABC-TV, Stars Of Jazz #73. 1957-#47, November 25, 1957

Blues

Roy Porter Quintet   Debonair 1821, 1822

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Roy Porter, organ; Buddy Woodson, bass; Al Bartee, drums; Richard Washington, bongos.

Los Angeles, CA, 1957

Wow!
Got A Funny Feelin'
Minor Moods
Love You

1958

Buddy Rich - The Cinch   Spotlite (E) SPJ 149

Ole Hansen, trombone; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Kenny Drew, piano; Phil Leshin, bass; Buddy Rich, drums.

Birdland, NYC, November 7, 1958

Four
In A Prescribed Manner

Ole Hansen, trombone #1,2; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Kenny Drew, piano; Phil Leshin, bass; Buddy Rich, drums.

Birdland, NYC, November 8, 1958

1.The Cinch
2.I Don't Wanna Be Kissed
3.Our Delight

1959

Sonny Criss At The Crossroads   Peacock PLP 91

Ole Hansen, trombone #3,5-7; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Wynton Kelly, piano; Bob Cranshaw, bass; Walter Perkins, drums.

Chicago, IL, March, 1959

1. 6004Sweet Lorraine
2. 6005I Got It Bad
3.Indiana
4.You Don't Know What Love Is
5.Sylvia
6.Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
7.Butt's Delight

** part of Sonny Criss/Kenny Dorham - The Dedication Series Vol. I: The Bopmasters, Impulse! IA-9337/2 in 1978.

1962

Sonny Criss Quartet   Polydor (F) 27 004

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Henri Renaud, piano; Michel Gaudry, bass; Philippe Combelle, drums.

Paris, France, October 10, 1962

Mighty Low
Don't Blame Me
Black Coffee
We'll Be Together Again

1963

Sonny Criss - Mr. Blues Pour Flirter   Brunswick (F) 87 519

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Georges Arvanitas, piano, organ; Rene Thomas, guitar; Pierre Michelot, bass; Philippe Combelle, drums.

Paris, France, April 22, 1963

Once In A While
Day Dream

same personnel.

Paris, France, April 23, 1963

Don't Get Around Much Anymore
St. Louis Blues

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Georges Arvanitas, piano, organ; Pierre Michelot, bass; Philippe Combelle, drums.

Paris, France, April 25, 1963

This Can't Be Love
On Green Dolphin Street
God Bless The Child
These Foolish Things

Sonny Criss Quintet   Polydor (F) 27 049

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Georges Arvanitas, piano, organ; Rene Thomas, guitar; Pierre Michelot, bass; Philippe Combelle, drums.

Paris, France, April 22, 1963

Blues Pour Flirter
Blues Pour Flirter No. 2

same personnel.

Paris, France, April 23, 1963

Early And Later Part 1
Early And Later Part 2

Lou Rawls - Tobacco Road   Capitol T/ST-2042   1964

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Onzy Matthews, piano, arranger, conductor; Lou Rawls, vocal; Onzy Matthews Orchestra.

Los Angeles, CA, July-August, 1963

Tobacco Road
Cotton Fields
Rockin' Chair
Stormy Weather
Ol' Man River
Blues For A Four String Guitar
St. Louis Blues
Georgia On My Mind
Sentimental Journey
Summertime

1964

Onzy Matthews - Sounds For The '60's!   Capitol T/ST-2479   1966

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Onzy Matthews, piano, arranger, conductor; Onzy Matthews Orchestra.

Los Angeles, CA, circa 1964

Mexicali Brass
You'll Know The First Time
Lilies Of The Field
Moon River
Play Me Some Blues
White Gardenia
Ballad For Orchetra
Blues For The Reverend
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
Ray On Blues

1966

Esther Phillips - Confessin' The Blues   Atlantic SD 1680   1975

Bill J. Clark, Melvin Moore, Robert H. Rolfe, James Dalton Smith, trumpet; Louis Blackburn, Richard Leith, Peter T. Meyers, Roland E. Meyers, trombone; Gabriel Baltazar, Sonny Criss, alto sax; Louis Dean Ciotti, Ira Schulman, tenor sax; Jay Migliori, baritone sax; Rodgers Grant, piano; Francois Vaz, guitar; Victor Venegas, bass; Charles G. Harris, drums; Esther Phillips, vocal; Onzy Matthews, arranger, director.

Western Recorders, Los Angeles, CA, October 5-7, 1966

10936 | 10963C.C. Rider
10937 | 10964Cherry Red
10938 | 10965Confessin' The Blues
10939 | 10966I'm Gettin' 'Long Alright

Melvin Moore, Al Porcino, Robert H. Rolfe, Ray Triscari, trumpet; Louis Blackburn, Richard Leith, Peter T. Meyers, Roland E. Meyers, trombone; Sonny Criss, Jackie Kelso, alto sax; Louis Dean Ciotti, Teddy Edwards, tenor sax; Jay Migliori, baritone sax; Rodgers Grant, piano; Herb Ellis, guitar; Victor Venegas, bass; Charles G. Harris, drums; Esther Phillips, vocal; Onzy Matthews, arranger, director.

United Recording, Los Angeles, CA, October 24, 1966

11055In The Evening
11056Romance In The Dark
11057I Wonder

Sonny Criss - This Is Criss!   Prestige PR 7511   1967

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Walter Davis, piano; Paul Chambers, bass; Alan Dawson, drums.

Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, October 21, 1966

Black Coffee
Days Of Wine And Roses
When Sunny Gets Blue
Greasy
Sunrise, Sunset
Steve's Blues
Skylark

** also released on Prestige PRST 7511 in 1967; Original Jazz Classics OJC-430 in 1990, OJCCD-430-2 in 1990.

Sonny Criss - This Is Criss!   Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-430-2   1990

same session.

Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, October 21, 1966

Love For Sale

** originally released on Prestige PR 7511 in 1967 + 1 bonus track.

1967 (age 40)

Portrait Of Sonny Criss   Prestige PRST 7526   1967

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Walter Davis, piano; Paul Chambers, bass; Alan Dawson, drums.

Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, March 23, 1967

A Million Or More Times
Wee
God Bless The Child
On A Clear Day
Blues In The Closet
Smile

** also released on Original Jazz Classics OJC-655 in 1991, OJCCD-655-2 in 1991.

Sonny Criss - Up, Up And Away   Prestige PRST 7530   1968

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Cedar Walton, piano; Tal Farlow, guitar; Bob Cranshaw, bass; Lenny McBrowne, drums.

NYC, August 18, 1967

Up, Up And Away
Willow Weep For Me
This Is For Benny
Sunny
Scrapple From The Apple
Paris Blues

** also released on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-982-2 in 1998.

1968

Sonny Criss - The Beat Goes On!   Prestige PRST 7558   1968

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Cedar Walton, piano; Bob Cranshaw, bass; Alan Dawson, drums.

NYC, January 12, 1968

The Beat Goes On
Georgia Rose
Somewhere My Love
Calidad
Yesterdays
Ode To Billy Joe

** also released on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-1051-2 in 2000.

The Sonny Criss Orchestra - Sonny's Dream (Birth Of The New Cool)   Prestige PRST 7576   1968

Conte Candoli, trumpet; Dick Nash, trombone; Ray Draper, tuba; David Sherr, alto sax; Sonny Criss, alto, soprano sax; Teddy Edwards, tenor sax; Pete Christlieb, baritone sax; Tommy Flanagan, piano; Al McKibbon, bass; Everett Brown Jr., drums; Horace Tapscott, arranger, conductor.

Los Angeles, CA, May 8, 1968

Sonny's Dream
Ballad For Samuel
The Black Apostles
The Golden Pearl
Daughter Of Cochise
Sandy And Niles

** also released on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-707-2 in 1992.

The Sonny Criss Orchestra - Sonny's Dream (Birth Of The New Cool)   Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-707-2   1992

same session.

Los Angeles, CA, May 8, 1968

The Golden Pearl (alternate)
Sonny's Dream (alternate)

** originally released on Prestige PRST 7576 in 1968 + 2 bonus tracks.

Sonny Criss - Rockin' In Rhythm   Prestige PRST 7610   1969

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Eddie Green, piano; Bob Cranshaw, bass; Alan Dawson, drums.

NYC, July 2, 1968

Eleanor Rigby
When The Sun Comes Out
Sonnymoon For Two
Rockin' In Rhythm
Misty Roses
The Masquerade Is Over

** also released on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-1022-2 in 1999.

Sonny Criss - Rockin' In Rhythm   Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-1022-2   1999

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Walter Davis, piano; Paul Chambers, bass; Alan Dawson, drums.

Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, March 23, 1967

All The Things You Are

** originally released on Prestige PRST 7610 in 1969 + 1 bonus track.

1969

Sonny Criss - I'll Catch The Sun!   Prestige PRST 7628   1969

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Hampton Hawes, piano; Monty Budwig, bass; Shelly Manne, drums.

RCA Studios, Los Angeles, CA, January 20, 1969

Don't Rain On My Parade
Blue Sunset
I Thought About You
California Screamin'
Cry Me A River
I'll Catch The Sun

** also released on Original Jazz Classics OJCCD-811-2 in 1994.

1970

The Hampton Hawes All-Stars - Memory Lane Live - From The T.V. Series "Jazz On Stage"   JAS JAS-4005   1977

Harry Edison, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Teddy Edwards, tenor sax #5; Hampton Hawes, piano; Leroy Vinnegar, bass; Bobby Thompson, drums; Big Joe Turner, vocal #3,4.

Memory Lane, Los Angeles, CA, January, 1970

1.Memory Lane Blues
2.Blues For J.L.
3.Feelin' Happy
4.Shake, Rattle And Roll
5.Teddy's Blues

1971

Sonny Criss - Proceedings Of The Blue Angel Jazz Club: The Complete 1971 Pasadena Jazz Party   BAJC 510 511

Harry Edison, trumpet #1,2; Clark Terry, trumpet, vocal #3,4; Carl Fontana, trombone #1; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Flip Phillips, tenor sax #1; Jimmy Rowles, piano #1,2; Ross Tompkins, piano #3,4; Herb Ellis, guitar #1,2; Monty Budwig, bass #1,3,4; Montgomery Phillips, bass #2; John Guerin, drums #1; Jake Hanna, drums #2; Donald Bailey, drums #3,4; Joe Williams, vocal #2.

University Club, Pasadena, CA, November 20, 1971

1.Medley: Someone To Watch Over Me / Wollow Weep For Me / Easter Parade / Body And Soul
2.Rocks In My Bed
3.Art Blakey's Theme
4.My Gal

1974

Sonny Criss With Georges Arvanitas Trio Live In Italy   Fresh Sound (Sp) FSR-401

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Georges Arvanitas, piano; Jacki Samson, bass; Charles Saudrais, drums.

Bologna, Italy, January 28, 1974

Tin Tin Deo
Lover Man
Sonny's Blues
Summertime
Willow Weep For Me
Sunny

Sonny Criss With Georges Arvanitas Trio Live In Italy   Fresh Sound (Sp) FSR-CD 67

same session.

Bologna, Italy, January 28, 1974

Hootie Blues
Untitled Blues

1975

Sonny Criss - Crisscraft   Muse MR 5068   1975

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dolo Coker, piano; Ray Crawford, guitar; Larry Gales, bass; Jimmy Smith, drums.

Wally Heider Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA, February 24, 1975

The Isle Of Celia
Blues In My Heart
This Is For Benny
All Night Long
Crisscraft

** also released on Muse MCD 6015 in 1991; 32 Jazz 32049 in 1997.

Sonny Criss - Crisscraft   Muse MCD 6015   1991

same session.

Wally Heider Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA, February 24, 1975

Blues In My Heart (alternate take)

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dolo Coker, piano; Larry Gales, bass; Jimmie Smith, drums.

Wally Heider Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA, October 20, 1975

All The Things You Are (alternate take)

** originally released on Muse MR 5068 in 1975 + 2 bonus tracks.

Sonny Criss - Saturday Morning   Xanadu 105   1975

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Barry Harris, piano; Leroy Vinnegar, bass; Lenny McBrowne, drums.

Los Angeles, CA, March 1, 1975

Angel Eyes
Tin Tin Deo
Jeannie's Knees
Saturday Morning
My Heart Stood Still
Until The Real Thing Comes Along

Sonny Criss - Out Of Nowhere   Muse MR 5089   1976

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Dolo Coker, piano; Larry Gales, bass; Jimmie Smith, drums.

Wally Heider Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA, October 20, 1975

All The Things You Are
The Dreamer
El Tiante
My Ideal
Out Of Nowhere
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime
The First One

** also released on Muse MCD 5089 in 1996?; 32 Jazz 32028 in 1997.

Sonny Criss - Warm & Sonny   Impulse! ASD-9312   1976

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Clarence McDonald, keyboards #1,5,6; Sonny Burke, keyboards #2-4,7; Lee Ritenour, guitar #1,5,6; Dennis Budimir, guitar #2-4,7; Melvin "Wah Wah" Ragin, guitar #3,5-7; Scott Edwards, bass #1,5,6; Chuck Domanico, bass #2-4,7; James Gadson, drums; Eddie "Bongo" Brown, percussion; + String section: Charles Veal, concertmaster; Marcia Van Dyke, Winterton Garvey, Harris Goldman, Janice Gower, William Henderson, Karen Jones, Carl LaMagna, Kenneth Yerke, violin; David Campbell, Rollice Dale, Pamela Goldsmith, Paul Polivnick, viola; Ronald Cooper, Dennis Karmazyn, David Speltz, cello; Richard Feves, Susan Ranney, acoustic bass; Dorothy Ashby, harp; + Horn section: Bud Brisbois, Charles Findley, Paul Hubinon, trumpet, flugelhorn; George Bohanon, trombone; Lew McCreary, bass trombone; Vincent DeRosa, French horn; Buddy Collette, tenor sax, flute; Bill Green, bass sax, flute.

ABC Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA, 1975-1976

1.Cool Struttin'
2.The Way We Were
3.That's The Way Of The World
4.Bumpin'
5.Sweet Summer Breeze
6.Memories
7.Blues For Willie

** also released on Impulse! (J) MVCZ-80 in 1995.

1976

Sonny Criss - The Joy Of Sax   Impulse! AS-9326   1977

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Patrice Rushen, electric piano; Mitch Holder, Lee Ritenour, guitar; Chuck Domanico, bass; James Gadson, drums; Eddie "Bongo" Brown, Esmond Edwards, percussion; + String section: Charles Veal Jr., concertmaster; Arnold Belnick, Marcia Van Dyke, Harris Goldman, Haim Shtrum, Dorothy Wade, Kenneth Yerke, violin; Dennyse Buffum, Rollice Dale, Pamela Goldsmith, viola; Ronald Cooper, Raymond J. Kelley, cello.

ABC Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA;
The Burbank Studios, Burbank, CA, 1976

You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Bill King, electric piano; Mitch Holder, Lee Ritenour, guitar; Scott Edwards, bass; James Gadson, drums; Esmond Edwards, percussion; + Horn section: Oscar Brashear, trumpet; George R. Bohanon, Garnett Brown, Raymond M. Jackson, trombone; George Bryan Thatcher, bass trombone; Barbara E. Korn, Alan Robinson, Robert L. Watt, French horn; Ernest J. Watts, tenor sax.

Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Bill King, piano; Mitch Holder, Lee Ritenour, guitar; Scott Edwards, bass; James Gadson, drums; + String section: Charles Veal Jr., concertmaster; Arnold Belnick, Marcia Van Dyke, Harris Goldman, Haim Shtrum, Dorothy Wade, Kenneth Yerke, violin; Dennyse Buffum, Rollice Dale, Pamela Goldsmith, viola; Ronald Cooper, Raymond J. Kelley, cello.

You Are So Beautiful

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Bill King, electric piano; Lee Ritenour, guitar; Scott Edwards, bass; James Gadson, drums; Esmond Edwards, percussion; + Horn section: Oscar Brashear, trumpet; George R. Bohanon, Garnett Brown, Raymond M. Jackson, trombone; George Bryan Thatcher, bass trombone; Barbara E. Korn, Alan Robinson, Robert L. Watt, French horn; Ernest J. Watts, tenor sax.

Turn Me Loose

Richard "Blue" Mitchell, trumpet; Sonny Criss, alto sax; Patrice Rushen, electric piano; Lee Ritenour, guitar; Chuck Domanico, acoustic bass; James Gadson, drums; Eddie "Bongo" Brown, conga drums; + String section: Charles Veal Jr., concertmaster; Arnold Belnick, Marcia Van Dyke, Harris Goldman, Haim Shtrum, Dorothy Wade, Kenneth Yerke, violin; Dennyse Buffum, Rollice Dale, Pamela Goldsmith, viola; Ronald Cooper, Raymond J. Kelley, cello.

Stolen Moments

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Sonny Burke, piano; McKinley T. Jackson, Clavinet; Mitch Holder, guitar; Henry E. Davis, bass; James Gadson, drums; Eddie "Bongo" Brown, conga drums; Esmond Edwards, percussion; Viola Jackson, vocal; + Horn section: Oscar Brashear, trumpet; George R. Bohanon, Garnett Brown, Raymond M. Jackson, trombone; George Bryan Thatcher, bass trombone; Barbara E. Korn, Alan Robinson, Robert L. Watt, French horn; Ernest J. Watts, tenor sax.

Have A Talk With God

Sonny Criss, alto sax; Bill King, piano; Lee Ritenour, guitar; Scott Edwards, bass; James Gadson, drums; Esmond Edwards, percussion; + String section: Charles Veal Jr., concertmaster; Arnold Belnick, Marcia Van Dyke, Harris Goldman, Haim Shtrum, Dorothy Wade, Kenneth Yerke, violin; Dennyse Buffum, Rollice Dale, Pamela Goldsmith, viola; Ronald Cooper, Raymond J. Kelley, cello.

Midnight Mellow

** also released on Impulse! (J) MVCZ-81 in 1995.